Committee will consider requiring DNA samples after arrests

COLUMBIA -- Anyone charged with a felony punishable by at least five years in prison would be required to provide DNA samples to the state under a bill sent to the House floor.

The House Judiciary Committee approved the bill on a voice vote today.The state already takes DNA samples from people convicted of felonies. But under the measure, DNA samples would be taken from people upon their arrest.The information would be removed from the state database if the individual is later cleared.Supporters say saliva or tissue samples could be used to solve unrelated crimes. Democrat Rep. Doug Jennings called it "the wave of the future in crime-solving."Republican Gov. Mark Sanford vetoed the idea last year. He said taking such personal information without a court order violates their civil liberties.The Senate approved the bill in January.